Administered by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Leading to the degree of bachelor of science.
Total credits required: 120. The human development and family studies curriculum prepare graduates to pursue careers in helping professions with employment opportunities in government, non-profit, and private agencies, as well as continue on to graduate studies programs. Students select an option within the major: child development and guidance; advocacy, administration, and policy; or health, well-being, and prevention.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following set of learning goals was established for the bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HD FS). Upon completion of the undergraduate degree in HDFS, students will:
Learning Objective 1: Demonstrate an understanding of the central concepts, research, and theories within the field.
Learning Objective 2: Demonstrate professional development and self-reflection skills.
Learning Objective 3: Demonstrate an ability to access and evaluate peer-reviewed research.
A minor in human development and family studies is available; see requirements under Human Development and Family Studies, Undergraduate Minor.
The following requirements are for the HD FS major by option.
Child Development & Guidance Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
| HD FS 102 | Human Development | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual and Family Development: 12 credits
| Select 4 courses from: | 12 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
| Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
| Adult Development | ||
| Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
| Family Communications and Relationships | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Child Development & Guidance Option: 24 credits
| Emphasis classes. Select 4 from | 12-13 | |
| Literature for Children | ||
| Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
| Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
| Inclusive Teaching and Interaction Strategies | ||
| Working with Families in Early Intervention | ||
| Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Supporting classes. Select 4 from: | 12 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Personal and Family Finance | ||
| Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
| Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
| Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
| Death as a Part of Living | ||
| Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
| Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
| Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
| Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
| Total Credits | 24-25 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
| Biology Course | 3 | |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
| Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
| Total Credits | 10-11 | |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 23-25 credits
Elective course options may include additional HD FS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HD FS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
Health, Well-Being, & Prevention Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
| HD FS 102 | Human Development | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual & Family Development: 12 credits
| Select 4 classes from: | 12 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
| Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
| Adult Development | ||
| Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
| Family Communications and Relationships | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Health, Well-being, & Prevention Option: 24 credits
| Emphasis classes. Select 4 from: | 12 | |
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Personal and Family Finance | ||
| Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
| Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
| Death as a Part of Living | ||
| Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
| Supporting classes. Select 4 from: | 12 - 13 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Literature for Children | ||
| Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
| Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
| Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
| Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
| Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
| Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
| Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Total Credits | 24-25 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
| Biology Course | 3 | |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
| Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
| Total Credits | 10-11 | |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 23-25 credits
Elective course options may include additional HD FS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HD FS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
Advocacy, Administration, and Policy Option
Human Development and Family Studies Core: 23-24 credits
| HD FS 102 | Human Development | 3 |
| HD FS 110 | Freshman Learning Community Orientation | 1 |
| or HD FS 111 | New Transfer Student Seminar | |
| HD FS 183 | Personal Finance in Early Adulthood | 1 |
| HD FS 218 | Professional Orientation and Service Learning | 2 |
| HD FS 369 | Research Methods in Human Development and Family Studies | 3 |
| HD FS 418B | Professional Practice Reflection/Discussion: Internships | 2 |
| HD FS 479 | Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | 3 |
| HD FS 491 | Internship | 8-9 |
| Total Credits | 23-24 | |
Individual & Family Development: 12 credits
| Select 4 courses from: | 12 | |
| Development in Young Children: Birth through Age 8 | ||
or HD FS 223 | Child Development and Health | |
Note: HDFS 224 is a required prerequisite to HDFS 342 and HDFS 344 | ||
| Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
| Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
| Adult Development | ||
| Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
| Family Communications and Relationships | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Advocacy, Administration, and Policy Option: 24 credits
| Emphasis classes (Select 4): | 12 | |
| Consumer Issues | ||
| Income Tax Planning for Families | ||
| Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits | ||
| Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
| Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
| Administration of Human Services Programs | ||
| Supporting classes (Select 4 of the following): | 12 - 13 | |
| Literature for Children | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Personal and Family Finance | ||
| Social and Emotional Development and Child-centered Guidance in Early Childhood | ||
| Programming for Children in Early Care and Education | ||
| Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
| Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
| Death as a Part of Living | ||
| Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
| Total Credits | 24-25 | |
Communications and Library: 13 credits
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Communication and U.S. Diversity | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Business Communication | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines: 10-11 credits
| Biology Course | 3 | |
| STAT 101 | Principles of Statistics | 4 |
| One of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Computer Literacy and Applications | ||
| Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases | ||
| Total Credits | 10-11 | |
Social Sciences: 9 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved social sciences courses
Humanities: 6 credits
Select from HD FS list of approved humanities courses
Electives: 23-25 credits
Elective course options may include additional HD FS courses from the Individual and Family Development category that have not been taken and/or HD FS courses from the Health, Wellbeing, and Prevention emphasis section that have not been taken.
Total credits: 120 credits
U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students fulfill the U.S. Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement by choosing three credits of coursework from each of the university-approved lists.
THE COURSES LISTED IN THIS SECTION ARE APPROVED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE OPTIONS FOR THIS MAJOR.
Social Sciences: 9 credits. Coursework designed to help students develop an understanding of the principal methods of studying human behavior and an understanding of the structure and functioning of institutions.
| AESHM 421 | Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | 3 |
| AF AM 330 | Ethnic and Race Relations | 3 |
| A M D 165 | Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | 3 |
| A M D 362 | Cultural Perspectives of Global Dress | 3 |
| A M D 467 | Consumer Studies in Apparel and Fashion Products | 3 |
| AM IN 310 | Contemporary Topics in American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AM IN 315 | Archaeology of North America | 3 |
| AM IN 322 | Peoples and Cultures of Native North America | 3 |
| Anthropology (ANTHR) - except 202 | ||
| Economics (ECON) | ||
| FS HN 342 | World Food Issues: Past and Present | 3 |
| INTST 235 | Introduction to International Studies | 3 |
| LING 219 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LING 471 | Language and Reading Development in Children | 3 |
| Political Science (POL S) | ||
| Psychology (PSYCH) - except 131 | ||
| Sociology (SOC), including Criminal Justice (C J) | ||
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 203 | Introduction to Lesbian Communities | 3 |
| WGS 301 | International Perspectives on Women and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 320 | Ecofeminism | 3 |
| WGS 327 | Gender and Sexualities in Society | 3 |
| WGS 328 | Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood | 3 |
| WGS 346 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| WGS 350 | Women of Color in the U.S | 3 |
| WGS 385 | Women in Politics | 3 |
Humanities: 6 credits. Coursework designed to assist students to develop an understanding of human cultural heritage and history, and an appreciation of reasoning and the aesthetic value of human creativity.
| AESHM 342 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
| AF AM 201 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AF AM 334 | Africana Religions | 3 |
| AF AM 347 | Studies in African American Literature | 3 |
| AF AM 353 | History of African Americans I | 3 |
| AF AM 354 | History of African Americans II | 3 |
| A M D 257 | Museum Studies | 3 |
| A M D 354 | Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century | 3 |
| A M D 356 | Euro-American Dress History: Mid-19th Century to the Present | 3 |
| AM IN 210 | Introduction to American Indian Studies | 3 |
| AM IN 240 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
| AM IN 346 | American Indian Literature | 3 |
| ARCH 221 | Histories and Theories of Architecture to 1750 | 3 |
| ARCH 420 | Topics in American Architecture | 3 |
| Art History (ART H) | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) | ||
| Classical Studies (CL ST) | ||
| DANCE 270 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DANCE 360 | History and Philosophy of Dance | 3 |
| DSN S 183 | Design in Context | 3 |
| ENGL 201 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 225 | Survey of British Literature to 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL 226 | Survey of British Literature since 1800 | 3 |
| ENGL 227 | Survey of American Literature to 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 228 | Survey of American Literature since 1865 | 3 |
| ENGL 237 | Survey of Film History | 3 |
| ENGL 240 | Introduction to American Indian Literature | 3 |
| History (HIST) | ||
| HSP M 260 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| MUSIC 102 | Introduction to Music Listening | 3 |
| MUSIC 302 | Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture. | 3 |
| MUSIC 304 | History of American Rock 'n' Roll | 3 |
| MUSIC 383 | History of Music I | 3 |
| MUSIC 384 | History of Music II | 3 |
| Philosophy (PHIL) | ||
| Religious Studies (RELIG) | ||
| THTRE 106 | Introduction to the Performing Arts | 3 |
| THTRE 110 | Theatre and Society | 3 |
| THTRE 465 | Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century | 3 |
| THTRE 466 | Theatre History: 19th Century to Present | 3 |
| WGS 201 | Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies | 3 |
| WGS 336 | Religion, Sex and Gender | 3 |
| WGS 338 | Feminist Philosophy | 3 |
| WGS 345 | Women and Literature: Selected Topics | 3 |
| WGS 370 | Studies in English Translation | 3 |
| WGS 374 | Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World | 3 |
| World Languages and Cultures (ARABC, CHIN, FRNCH, GER, GREEK, RUS, SPAN) | ||
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Child Development & Guidance option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | Biology Course*** | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Elective Courses*** | 6 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | General Education: COM S 103 or COM S 113 | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
| Social Science Course*** | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 369 | 3 | HD FS 479 | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 6 |
| Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 3 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
| Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Elective* | 4 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Child Dev & Guide Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
| Child Dev & Guide Supporting Course | 6 | ||
| Electives | 1 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.
- ***
See HD FS General Education Selections sheet.
- ^
HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship, and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Diversity coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Advocacy, Administration, & Policy option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Social Sciences Course*** | 3 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Biology | 3 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Electives* | 6 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | COM S 103 or 113 | 3 |
| Individual and Family Development Course | 3 | Advocacy Administration and Policy Focus: Supporting course | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Humanities Course*** | 3 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | Electives* | 3 |
| undefined | |||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 369 | 3 | HD FS 479 | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 |
| Elective* | 4 | Electives* | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Emphasis Course | 3 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| Adv, Admin, & Policy Supporting Course | 6 | Electives* | 4 |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | ||
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | ||
| Electives* | 1 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate
- ***
See HD FS General Education Selections sheet
- ^
HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Diversity coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
Human Development and Family Studies, B.S.-Health, Well-Being, & Prevention option
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 102 | 3 | HD FS 183 | 1 |
| HD FS 110 or 111 | 1 | Social Sciences Courses*** | 3 |
| LIB 160 | 1 | Electives | 6 |
| ENGL 150 | 3 | Individual and Family Development Course | 3 |
| PSYCH 131 (recommended elective) | 1 | Biology | 3 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | ||
| Humanities Course*** | 3 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ENGL 250 | 3 | SP CM 212, COMST 210, COMST 211, or COMST 218 | 3 |
| HD FS 218 | 2 | Health Wellbeing and Prevention Focus Supporting Course | 3 |
| STAT 101 | 4 | Humanities*** | 3 |
| Individual and Family Development Course | 3 | Elective* | 3 |
| Social Sciences Course*** | 3 | COM S 103 or 113 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 369 | 3 | HD FS 479 | 3 |
| Individual & Family Development Course | 3 | Individual & Family Development Course | 3 |
| Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 |
| Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 3 | Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 3 |
| Electives* | 4 | Electives* | 4 |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| HD FS 418B | 2 | HD FS 491^ | 8-9 |
| ENGL 302, 309, or 314 | 3 | Electives* | 4 |
| Health, W-B, & Prev Emphasis Course | 3 | ||
| Health, W-B, & Prev Supporting Course | 6 | ||
| Electives* | 1 | ||
| 15 | 12-13 | ||
- *
Total number of electives will vary. A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.
- ***
See HD FS General Education Selections sheet
- ^
HD FS 418B is prerequisite to HD FS 491 Internship, and requires junior classification.
- -
ISU requires 3 credits of U.S. Diversity coursework and 3 credits of International Perspectives coursework.
The Human Development and Family Studies minor may be earned by completing 15 credits
| HD FS 102 | Human Development | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Child Development and Health | ||
| Development and Guidance in Middle Childhood | ||
| Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood | ||
| Adult Development | ||
| Parenting and Family Diversity Issues | ||
| Family Communications and Relationships | ||
| Aging and the Family | ||
| Three of the following: | 9 | |
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Housing and Services for Families and Children | ||
| Abuse and Illness in Families | ||
| Death as a Part of Living | ||
| Applying Evidence-Based Practices in Human Services | ||
| Children, Families, and Public Policy | ||
| Program Evaluation and Proposal Writing | ||
| Family Dynamics Through a Social and Cultural Lens | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
More information on the variety of graduate programs offered through the Department of Human Development and Family Studies can be found here: https://hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/graduate-students/graduate-programs/.